Episodes
Words of Wisdom
Coach Says
Episode 6 – Roger Adolph
Roger Adolph of the St′at′imic Nation, got into a fight playing basketball at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. If you want to fight, he was told, get in the ring. After a successful amateur and pro career, he retired from boxing to become a chief negotiator for his people. He claims he would not be the leader he is today if it were not for boxing. “Sports”, he says, “is the prime vehicle for developing future leaders.”
Episode 5 – Ross Powless
Ross Powless, tracing the birth of lacrosse back to his ancestors from Six Nations, became a "warrior" of lacrosse by bringing excitement and interest back to the sport at a time when it was declining. During his illustrious career, he received just about every honour available to a lacrosse player. For years, he continued to coach and inspire young players and teams, alongside his many years as band councillor and band administrator.
Episode 4 – Tom Longboat
Tom Longboat, distance runner and winner of the 1907 Boston Marathon, was Canada’s most celebrated athlete. An Onondaga from Six Nations, Tom volunteered as a dispatch runner during WWI, but was never awarded his pension. Voted the #1 sports figure of the 20th century by Maclean's Magazine, his legacy lives on through the prestigious Tom Longboat Award, presented every year to Canada’s top Aboriginal athlete.
Episode 3 – Alwyn Morris
Alwyn Morris, a Mohawk from Kahnawake, Québec, won kayaking Gold at the 1984 Olympics. During his memorable stand on the podium, he held an eagle feather high to honour his grandfather. He is the visionary behind the Aboriginal Sports Circle, a national organization committed to the development of athletes and coaches. As a member of his Band Council, he discusses his involvement in negotiating land issues.
Episode 2 – Waneek Horn-Miller
Waneek Horn-Miller, a Mohawk from Kahnawake, Québec, was a key member of the Canadian Women's Water Polo team. As co-captain, she proudly led her team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Not afraid of much, she took on Water Polo Canada when she was unexpectedly cut from the team. Discussing the stereotypes Aboriginal athletes face, she shares her achievements in hopes of inspiring others to reach for their dreams.
Episode 1 - Fred Sasakamoose
Fred Sasakamoose, a Cree from Saskatchewan, signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1953 and became the first status Indian to play in the NHL. After just one season, he chose to leave. He played for WCHL’s Kamloops Chiefs until he returned home and became Chief of his own people for six years. He discusses his battle with alcohol as a young man, and the work he now does to heal substance abuse in his community.